Global consumer financial and digital trends

Recent data indicates evolving financial behaviors and digital habits across several regions. In South Africa, research shows significant financial stress among young adults, with nearly two-thirds reporting frequent money stress and a low capacity to cover unexpected expenses. Concurrently, in the United Kingdom, there is a noted paradox where cash usage as a percentage of total payments has declined, yet the total value of cash held by the public and overseas has risen to £94 billion, suggesting a preference for cash as a safeguard against technical or institutional failures.

In the Balkan region, digital trends show a shift toward mobile dominance. In Serbia, mobile phone ownership has reached 96.9% of households, outpacing traditional computers and television. In Croatia, studies highlight a gap in financial literacy among young adults aged 18 to 35; while many believe they manage finances well, actual knowledge levels are lower. This demographic also faces increased cybersecurity risks related to mobile payments, online shopping, and cryptocurrency investments.